Published:
December 21, 2024
Uri is a town in the Baramulla District of Jammu and Kashmir in India. The river Jhelum flows through Uri. The town is very close to the LOC (Line of Control), the disputed border between India and Pakistan. Having a diverse cultural mix, with influences from Kashmiri, Pahari, and Pashtun traditions, Uri has been a strategic yet a scenic destination.
1947-48
On 12 December 1947, in the rugged terrain of Uri, Kashmir, 1 SIKH Battalion was on a fighting patrol against hostile tribesmen who had fortified themselves in well- prepared bunker positions. The enemy opened fire on the leading company, killing 10 soldiers instantly and wounding 15 others, who lay exposed within 10 yards of the enemy’s stronghold. The enemy, under heavy covering fire, attempted to drag the casualties in and capture their arms while executing an encircling movement. Counter-attacks by the company failed, resulting in more casualties and worsening the situation. Amidst this chaos, another company was ordered to attack from the left flank. Leading one of its forward platoons was Jemadar Nand Singh, a man whose courage would soon become legendary. His platoon advanced with fierce determination, despite the intense fire. Jemadar Nand Singh, with his men rallying behind him, pressed forward, shouting "Sat Sri Akal" as they closed in on the enemy. The platoon fought fiercely, and in the heat of the battle, Jemadar Nand Singh was the first to draw blood with his bayonet. Despite being wounded, he killed five enemy soldiers, leading by example. The enemy was overwhelmed as the soldiers fought with relentless determination, bayoneting their way through the enemy positions. The enemy broke and fled, but few could escape. The victory was hard-earned, marking a decisive triumph in the battle.
1965
The Battle of Haji Pir Pass took place from 26 to 28 August 1965 during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. This battle was significant as it resulted in India capturing the entire Haji Pir bulge, including the 8,652 feet high Haji Pir Pass in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
In August 1965, Pakistan launched Operation Gibraltar, aiming to infiltrate guerrillas into Kashmir to incite rebellion. However, the local population did not support the infiltrators, and India decided to launch a counter-operation. The Indian Army executed a pincer movement to avoid frontal assaults with a force tasked each from Poonch and Uri. The battle involved intense fighting across difficult terrain, but India successfully captured the pass. The pass was returned to Pakistan after the war as part of the Tashkent agreement.
Srinagar → Pattan (36Km) → Baramulla (65Km) → URI sector (111Km) Destination.
